- When should I take my child to the dentist for their first check-up? The child’s first check-up should take place before his/her third birthday. Dental check-ups early in a child’s life allows for a positive dental health experience. Before the child’s first appointment, take the child with you to your dental appointment to familiarize the child with the dental atmosphere.
- Does my child need to see a pediatric dentist or can he/she see my family dentist? Your child can be seen by your family dentist. A pediatric dentist may be necessary to utilize the appropriate behavior-management techniques. Patients are referred to a pediatric dentist on a case-by-case basis.
- What should I do if my child complains of a toothache? If your child complains of a toothache, it is important to take the child to the dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will examine the tooth both clinically and radio graphically. Depending on the child’s health history, the child may also be advised to take Children’s Tylenol or children’s Motrin to alleviate the pain.
- What should I do if my child knocks out his/her tooth? If your child knocks the tooth out, it is important the tooth is implanted into the socket as soon as possible. You should avoid touching the root of the tooth if at all possible. If the tooth cannot be reinserted into the socket, the tooth should be placed in milk, saltwater, or saliva. Avoid rinsing the tooth, placing it into a napkin, or allowing the tooth to dry. This minimizes the chance of reattachment of the tooth into the socket. The child should be seen by the dentist as soon as possible, taking the tooth to the appointment.
- Are thumb sucking and pacifier habits harmful for a child’s teeth? Thumb sucking is a natural, relaxing reflex many babies enjoy. Sucking on fingers, thumbs, and pacifiers helps to soothe the baby. Although thumb sucking and pacifier habits may make the baby feel comfortable and secure, these behaviors may become harmful to the child’s teeth. Children usually stop between the ages of 2-4. It is important the child stops these habits by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. The continuation of thumb sucking and pacifier use after the eruption of permanent front teeth can cause tooth misalignment, can interfere with proper growth of the mouth, and may cause alterations to the roof of the mouth.
- After the first initial appointment, how often should my child visit the dentist? Your child should visit the dentist every 6 months (twice a year) for a cleaning and dental exam.
- What should I do to protect my child’s teeth during sporting events? Your child should wear a protective mouth guard while participating in sporting events. The mouth guard is used to prevent oral in injuries to the teeth, mouth, cheeks, tongue, and jaw. The use of a mouth guard can prevent more than 200,000 oral injuries to the mouth each year.
- What can I do to prevent tooth decay for my child? Preventing dental decay for children can be challenging for many parents and guardians, however, it can be prevented in a few ways. Firstly, it is important for the child to establish a routine when it comes to brushing and flossing. The child should be brushing for two minutes, twice a day, and flossing daily. The parent plays a critical role in this routine when the child is at a young age. The child may need help with brushing and flossing to ensure it is being done properly. Additionally, the parent should be monitoring the child’s sugar intake. There is a direct correlation to the frequency of sugar consumption and to tooth decay. Collectively, minimizing the frequency of sugar intake and brushing and flossing properly twice a day can help to prevent tooth decay.
- Is flossing important? Flossing is very important. Tooth brushing cleans the surfaces of the teeth, however does not remove the plaque between the teeth. Flossing is able to reach clean the areas between the teeth tooth brushing is unable to reach.
- How often should I brush my teeth? You should brush your teeth for two minutes, at least twice a day. It is important to brush all surfaces of the teeth; the outer surfaces, inner surfaces, chewing surfaces, and the tongue as well.
- How often should I replace my toothbrush? You should replace your toothbrush every 3 months. After three months of normal wear and tear, toothbrushes become less effective in removing plaque and biofilm. Additionally, it is also important to change your toothbrush after you have had a cold, the flu, or a sore throat.
- What type of toothbrush do I choose? A soft-bristled brush is the most effective at removing plaque and biofilm while still being gentle on teeth and oral tissues. Additionally, a small-headed toothbrush is preferred to reach all areas of the mouth, especially the difficult to reach back teeth.
- How often should an adult have a dental exam and cleaning? The adult patient should have a dental exam and cleaning every 6 months (two times a year).
- How early should I arrive for my appointments? If this is your first visit, arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the appointment. This ensures that we accurately gather patient information such as health history, medications, and insurance information. Returning patients should arrive 10 minutes prior to the appointment to update patient information.
- What insurances do you accept? Most major PPO plans are accepted. The office will verify that we participate with your particular insurance plan.
- What should I do if I have a dental emergency? A doctor is always on-call for a dental emergency. Contact the office number for further information.
- What causes tooth sensitivity and what can I do to help it?
- Are their certain foods that I should avoid or limit in my diet?